By Tim Ryder
In an outstanding feature with Justin Toscano of The Record, New York Mets second baseman Joe Panik remarked on his time spent in Flushing, as well as what might be next.
“Oh, for sure,” Panik replied when asked if he’d be inclined to stay with the Mets, adding, “It’s been a fun few months for me. Playing in New York; I grew up here and I love the passion here.”
As for what the future might hold — Panik will be arbitration-eligible this offseason, but the team could simply release him — the six-year MLB veteran seems content with allowing the process to unfold as it may.
“I felt like I’ve played well here. Things will work out one way or another […] Wherever I land, whatever happens, I’m very confident in my abilities.”
After slashing .235/.310/.317 over 388 plate appearances with the San Francisco Giants this season, the team designated Panik for assignment on August 7, after five seasons, including a World Series title and an All-Star appearance (2015).
The Mets employed the Hopewell Junction, New York product’s services on August 9 to help ease the blow of losing Robinson Cano to a torn hamstring on August 5.
From his debut on the day he signed with the Mets through the end of the month, Panik hit .277/.319/.354 with three doubles, a triple, and seven RBIs over 70 plate appearances.
Cano’s nearly miraculous one-month rehabilitation saw him return to the Mets on September 4, substantially reducing Panik’s playing time down the stretch and appearing to adversely affect his production levels (.222/.323/.370 over 31 PA in September).
Regarding his resurgence immediately following the trade, Panik told Toscano, “I think I kind of showed that I can still play a little bit”.
Whether the Mets reciprocate Panik’s feelings regarding a potential return to Queens remains to be determined. Though with Cano, Jeff McNeil, and Jed Lowrie all expected to be on the roster in 2020, there may be no room for Panik (-3 DRS over 949.1 innings at second this season) in Flushing.
We’ll keep you posted with additional information as it becomes available.
Panik reflects a bit more on his time in Flushing (“Just a lot of excitement here, a lot of resiliency”) and Toscano speaks with Panik’s former skipper, Bruce Bochy, about the tough conversation they had regarding Panik’s release in the article, as well. It’s well worth the read (link above).
